Arsenal want 14-year-old Lopez on free summer transfer from Barcelona

Arsenal are looking for revenge after losing academy graduate, Marcus McGuane to Barcelona, by signing Joel Lopez from La Masia.

This week 19-year-old former Gunner McGuane made his debut for the Barcelona first team. It’s certainly a rarity to see things happen that way round, after the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin went in the other direction under Arsene Wenger’s tenure.

According to the Spanish media, McGuane is just a rare exception. Sport (via SportWitness) report that Arsenal are now back to chasing Barcelona youth products, in particular Joel Lopez.

Lopez is a pacey 14-year-old left-back who loves to get forward, suggesting he could be the next Bellerin on the opposite side of the field. The u16 defender’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he still hasn’t signed a renewal.

As a result, Arsenal and Liverpool have both reportedly shown an interest in the youngster.

Earlier this week, Wenger talked about the scouting improvements the club have made at youth level in recent years. That’s been clear through the results of the u18s and the u23s on the pitch.

This pursuit of Lopez indicates Arsenal are already planning for the next generation after that. Hopefully they get their man.

Arsenal fan since a young age, now a season ticket holder who enjoys writing, tweeting and making videos about the Gunners. Also likes: guitar, gaming and lists of three.
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